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believing—no, wait. You stop dis believing—”
    Emmy wasn’t paying attention. All at once she was filled with a powerful sense that she could do something for Ana. In fact, her idea would not only make Ana happy, it would also impress Emmy’s parents! She set the bottle on the counter and ran across the room.
    â€œProfessor,” she said, “I have a great idea! I’d like to have a good-bye party for Ana tomorrow morning. Right here, in the Antique Rat.”
    The professor beamed. “That is a good idea!”
    â€œWhy, I don’t think—” began Gwenda Squipp.
    Emmy held up a hand to interrupt. It was the strangest thing, but she knew she could convince Squippy to agree. “I’ll plan it all. And I’ll buy the food and decorations, too.” She could afford it; her parents gave her a generous allowance. She would invite her parents to the party; they would see that she was responsible, and be proud of her.
    Gwenda Squipp blinked. “You seem very sure of yourself, young lady.”
    Emmy grinned at her, strangely confident. “But you’re going to say yes, aren’t you?”
    â€œWell … perhaps I should.”
    â€œThen it’s all settled,” said the professor. “We’ll hold it right before you and Ana leave on the train. All right, Emmy?”
    Emmy nodded. “But Ana has to come early. That’s part of the fun,” she added quickly. “Two hours early, at least.”
    â€œWell,” said Gwenda Squipp doubtfully, “I suppose I could arrange my schedule to come with her.”
    â€œOh, you don’t need to do that,” said Emmy. “Please don’t bother.”
    â€œBut I have to, dear.” Miss Squipp shook her head. “Children’s Home rules. Ana must always be accompanied, at least until she is delivered to her guardians.”
    Emmy thought fast. “But do you have to be in the same room as Ana? I mean, couldn’t she be upstairs while you were down here?”
    Gwenda Squipp frowned.
    â€œThere’s a good reason,” said Emmy recklessly, filled with the happy knowledge that she would think of a reason. And then all at once, she did.
    Emmy whispered in Squippy’s ear.
    Gwenda Squipp clasped her hands, sending her bracelets jangling. “How charming! I won’t ask one more question, not one!”
    Â 
    â€œWow,” said Joe, as the door closed behind Ana and Squippy, and Brian’s truck roared into life. “I’ve never seen you take charge like that before, Emmy.”
    â€œI don’t know what came over me,” Emmy admitted. “But it was like I already believed she was going to say yes! I just sort of told her so.”
    â€œWhat did you whisper to Squippy?” asked Joe.
    â€œI said Ana wanted to make her a very special surprise, and I was going to help, and we didn’t want her to see it until it was ready.”
    â€œAna wants to give Squippy a surprise?” said Joe. “What?”
    â€œI made that part up,” said Emmy. “I mean, we’ll come up with some kind of surprise, but that’s not why we need the two hours.” She grinned. “I’m going to take Ana to visit Rodent City.”
    Brrriinnnngg! Brrriinnnngg!
    The professor stepped to the phone. “Why, yes, Mr. Addison, Emmy is here—just one moment.”
    Emmy took the receiver. “Dad?”
    Her father spoke forcefully. Emmy held the phone away from her ear, and Joe’s eyes widened as he listened.
    â€œCome back right now to clean your room, young lady. You’ll have a few more chores, too!”
    The droning hum of a dial tone filled the air. Emmy stared at the receiver in her hand.
    â€œSo you weren’t sleepwalking,” said Joe slowly.
    Emmy put the phone back in its cradle as if it had been made of glass. “Somebody,” she said, “is out to get me.”

6
    I T WAS ALMOST MIDNIGHT .